The spirit of giving to help others will shine brightly once again Saturday, November 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Climax-Scotts High School for the 11th annual People Helping People Craft Show.
It was 11 years ago when Climax resident Julie Tiller wanted to help a family in need by putting on a craft show.
This event has become so popular there is a waiting list, however every effort is made to find a spot for everyone. Some even set up outside if the weather cooperates.
Over 120 crafters and vendors will be joining in the effort this year.
There are no contracts or booth fees, however each vendor is given an envelope on the day of the event. Near the end of the event, each vendor chooses how much of their sales they made during the craft show they want to donate back for the recipient in need.
There is also a 6 foot stocking that vendors can put their envelopes in. The shoppers are also able to contribute by putting their donation in the stocking.
To date almost $46,000 has been donated.
This year’s recipient is 1978 Climax-Scotts graduate and Climax resident Beth Sowles. Beth has been battling cancer since 1984. With her newest cancer diagnoses in 2023 she has struggled to make ends meet. She recently had a stroke in September that has added more stress and more expenses. The medical bills and household bills are adding up and she definitely needs our help.
During the People Helping People Craft Show other groups also help.
The Scotts Busy Youth 4-H group have a booth and they sell yummy baked goods. The Climax-Scotts High School Boys Basketball teams raise money by helping the vendors setup and tear down and serving the vendors a yummy Sloppy Joe lunch. The Climax-Scotts High School Junior Class also sets up a booth to raise money for prom. The Climax-Scotts Band will assist serving shoppers and vendors at the concession stand. The Girl Scouts also have a booth this year. Operation Heaven Sent, a local non-profit, will be joining this year by offering gift wrapping services for a donation.
A message was sent to Santa to see if the popular Cookies with Santa event is happening again this year. One thing is certain, however, one of Santa’s elves, Gina Newsum, will be face painting children of all ages.
Beth Sowles Tells Her Story
I was first diagnosed with cancer when I was 23 and living in New Orleans. Being that young and living alone, I was scared. The doctor was recommending some pretty heavy treatment plans so I moved home. I went through many treatments and surgeries. Throughout the years, cancer cells continued to show up so it was always a waiting game to me.
In 2011 things exploded. I had put off going to the doctor because I was so embarrassed. But as soon as I DID go to the doctor, she immediately sent me to Mayo Clinic. Between the doctor appointment and going to Mayo was only three weeks. I was scared and had no idea what I was in for. Two friends went with me to Mayo. For that I was so grateful. I went in alone to see the doctors and underwent many biopsies in those few days I was there. It was then I was diagnosed with vulva cancer and diseases. And just to add an insult – this happened on my birthday!!
They started me on chemo. And throughout the next few years I went back and forth to Mayo several times.
In 2015 I was diagnosed with two more cancers. Thank God for the West Michigan Cancer Center! I also had a great friend and advocate who would always go with me for treatments and appointments. I underwent surgery and went back on chemo. I was also sent to another doctor for treatments for the original cancer. Those treatments were every 3 weeks and horrendous. I still go for treatment every 6 weeks, but they have modified it.
In 2019, Mayo Clinic sent me home telling me there was nothing more they could do for me. I was beyond devastated. My friends helped and told me not to lose hope.
And now I think I see more oncologists that someone should need to! But here I am. And I have been lucky (for the most part) with the doctors I do see. They have been very caring.
And now in 2024, I have been in treatment continuously since 2011. With added issues in 2023 for my bladder.
In all that time medical bills pile up. I have been helped in the past to clear some of that debt, but with the treatments and medical bills (and keeping up with normal living bills), I am in need of help. I hate saying that.
And unfortunately, I am still looking at needing procedures, treatments and surgery.
It was 11 years ago when Climax resident Julie Tiller wanted to help a family in need by putting on a craft show.
This event has become so popular there is a waiting list, however every effort is made to find a spot for everyone. Some even set up outside if the weather cooperates.
Over 120 crafters and vendors will be joining in the effort this year.
There are no contracts or booth fees, however each vendor is given an envelope on the day of the event. Near the end of the event, each vendor chooses how much of their sales they made during the craft show they want to donate back for the recipient in need.
There is also a 6 foot stocking that vendors can put their envelopes in. The shoppers are also able to contribute by putting their donation in the stocking.
To date almost $46,000 has been donated.
This year’s recipient is 1978 Climax-Scotts graduate and Climax resident Beth Sowles. Beth has been battling cancer since 1984. With her newest cancer diagnoses in 2023 she has struggled to make ends meet. She recently had a stroke in September that has added more stress and more expenses. The medical bills and household bills are adding up and she definitely needs our help.
During the People Helping People Craft Show other groups also help.
The Scotts Busy Youth 4-H group have a booth and they sell yummy baked goods. The Climax-Scotts High School Boys Basketball teams raise money by helping the vendors setup and tear down and serving the vendors a yummy Sloppy Joe lunch. The Climax-Scotts High School Junior Class also sets up a booth to raise money for prom. The Climax-Scotts Band will assist serving shoppers and vendors at the concession stand. The Girl Scouts also have a booth this year. Operation Heaven Sent, a local non-profit, will be joining this year by offering gift wrapping services for a donation.
A message was sent to Santa to see if the popular Cookies with Santa event is happening again this year. One thing is certain, however, one of Santa’s elves, Gina Newsum, will be face painting children of all ages.
Beth Sowles Tells Her Story
I was first diagnosed with cancer when I was 23 and living in New Orleans. Being that young and living alone, I was scared. The doctor was recommending some pretty heavy treatment plans so I moved home. I went through many treatments and surgeries. Throughout the years, cancer cells continued to show up so it was always a waiting game to me.
In 2011 things exploded. I had put off going to the doctor because I was so embarrassed. But as soon as I DID go to the doctor, she immediately sent me to Mayo Clinic. Between the doctor appointment and going to Mayo was only three weeks. I was scared and had no idea what I was in for. Two friends went with me to Mayo. For that I was so grateful. I went in alone to see the doctors and underwent many biopsies in those few days I was there. It was then I was diagnosed with vulva cancer and diseases. And just to add an insult – this happened on my birthday!!
They started me on chemo. And throughout the next few years I went back and forth to Mayo several times.
In 2015 I was diagnosed with two more cancers. Thank God for the West Michigan Cancer Center! I also had a great friend and advocate who would always go with me for treatments and appointments. I underwent surgery and went back on chemo. I was also sent to another doctor for treatments for the original cancer. Those treatments were every 3 weeks and horrendous. I still go for treatment every 6 weeks, but they have modified it.
In 2019, Mayo Clinic sent me home telling me there was nothing more they could do for me. I was beyond devastated. My friends helped and told me not to lose hope.
And now I think I see more oncologists that someone should need to! But here I am. And I have been lucky (for the most part) with the doctors I do see. They have been very caring.
And now in 2024, I have been in treatment continuously since 2011. With added issues in 2023 for my bladder.
In all that time medical bills pile up. I have been helped in the past to clear some of that debt, but with the treatments and medical bills (and keeping up with normal living bills), I am in need of help. I hate saying that.
And unfortunately, I am still looking at needing procedures, treatments and surgery.
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